The Graying of America

Written by Stephania Munson-Bishop

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People are living longer. The birth rate is decreasing. Many are opting for early retirement, and buying into Social Security sooner, even for a reduced monthly benefit. Some haven't had a choice but to retire early, thanks to downsizing and buy-out offers posed by employers to reduce number of older, higher- salaried employees.

Problems of normal aging are, of course, exacerbated by additional problems, such as loss of vision, dementia or Alzheimer's, physical problems or disability. But why is it that some seem to age so gracefully, with a minimum of trouble, while others age much more rapidly? Much of it is probably genetic, but an equal emphasis has to be placed on lifestyle.

Take an aspirin a day, and a multi-purpose vitamin. Don't smoke. Eat two servings of fish per week. Exercise is a proven age-reducer, even if it's walking 15 to 20 minutes per day. Owning a dog or cat is supposed to add new life to owner. And dental flossing once per day is said to add up to six years to your life. One's mental attitude might be key, for optimists are said to live longer than pessimists.

Nursing and other medical professionals are entering field of gerontology care in greater numbers. That's where jobs will be in not-so-distant future.

Ageism is a social problem, right up there with racism or sexism. But with more and more seniors dotting American landscape, expect ageism to decrease markedly. Seniors are one reliable voting group and, as Association for Retired Persons (AARP) has proved, a powerful lobby in Washington, D.C.

Editor of "Tidbits from the Pantry," a monthly ezine to 10,000 subscribers, Stephania is a human services professional with nearly 40 years in the field. Visit her site at http://www.humansrv.net

What is your Love Personality?

Written by Alina Ruigrok - www.love-sessions.com

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Considering and accepting our partnerís different trend of love is extremely important to do. If you do not, it will seems like you are just determined to have romance in your relationship to go your way, by your trend. This will definitely cause unhappiness and have a very high possibility for your mate to back away from romance with you, because he or she will feel that there is lack of attention towards their needs and trends concerning romancing. So remember to be considerate and learn to adapt to their ways too.

It feels fabulous when our lover is being considerate of our trend, respecting it, following it with us often. You cannot be one always being considered however. You will then become what is called a Constant Receiver. Constant Receivers are always on look out for themselves. They never look beyond their trend and needs that are involved with it. They always observe whether or not they are getting what they need and want from their lovers, and if they feel they could be getting more, they grab more. What about your partner? What are his or her needs? Have you even considered what their trend is about and how you can compromise and follow theirs sometimes? Never let these questions go unnoticed. If you find yourself being a constant receiver, it does not mean you are a bad person, but that you have been a little careless. When you realize this, stop yourself and look deep down. You will probably realize that you are aware of your over receiving, and have been so flattered by it that you got carried away. Once you have sorted this out, you can start returning favor back to your partner.

Being a Constant Giver also has its down side. Yes, you would be always pleasing your partner, but what about you? Is having your trend considered not important? Of course it is! Do not be too furious with your mate if this happens. Just remember what you just learned about Constant Receivers. Your mate most likely did not ignore your trend needs on purpose, but just got carried away with being pampered. After all, you did you create this situation when you were over giving! So many people fall under this category of giving too much. This is because most people believe it is more important to please their lovers than having their own needs and wants fulfilled. Caring about pleasing your partner is good, but disowning your own romantic identity and needs, is not. Get back on track by getting your guilt in order first. Know that you should not feel guilty for wanting or needing something from your partner. You are entitled to having those needs fulfilled. You also should not look at giving as good thing, while receiving is bad thing. They are both good when equally exchanged. Start bringing your romantic trend and needs to your mateís attention. You can do this by bringing up a good movie that is coming out and letting them know that you really want to see it. Re-teach them that they should give too, instead of always receiving from you.

Just highlight fact that there are different love trends and that they are all unique and deserve to be followed and participated in. As a couple, you will not only please each other, but learn more about other as well! As long as you do not forget this and understand importance of an equal share between giving and receiving, your combination of love personalities will live in a content environment.

Alina Ruigrok is an independent relationship expert for http://www.love-sessions.com helping those in need of dating, love, relationship, marital, sexual and other personal advice through e-sessions.

Alina Ruigrok is an independent relationship expert for http://www.love-sessions.com helping those in need of dating, love, relationship, marital, sexual and other personal advice through e-sessions.